Save This Shark (ATOM Study Guide)

Save This Shark is a two-part documentary that follows the 3 x World Champion Surfer turned ocean activist on his mission to explore shark conservation, set to air on National Geographic this September.

From his hometown of Ballina to the tropics of the Bahamas, Fanning returns to the open waters to conquer his fear of sharks and better understand them. Along the way, Fanning investigates the issue of sharks versus people, debunking common misconceptions and, learning about the latest technology helping humans and sharks safely coexist while saving them from extinction.

The documentary also features the work of leading experts including Dr. Charlie Huveneers, Professor Colin Simpfendorfer, Dr. Neil Hammerschlag and renowned shark conservationist Cristina Zenato. 'It was a really personal journey for me to be able to reconnect with sharks in this way. They're such magical, majestic and misunderstood creatures, so I'm excited to share my experience on screen, to show just how important they are to the environment and what it takes to protect them,' says Fanning.

Save This Shark marks the latest release by AACTA winning filmmaker and producer Michael Lawrence (Bra Boys, Fighting Fear, Uncensored with Michael Ware, You and Me, Proximity) and legendary award-winning filmmaker Taylor Steele as part of M&C Saatchi Group’s film and television production arm, THIS. Brought to life by the same creative minds behind the studio's 2019 release, Save This Rhino, Fanning's journey is the latest installment in their series of conservation documentaries.

Curriculum Links:

Save This Shark is suitable for students undertaking:

• Science (Years 3 – 9)
• English (Years 3 – 10)
• Mathematics (Years 3 – 10 & Unit 2)
• Geography (Year 10)
• Design and Technologies (Year 3 – 6)
• Digital Technologies (Year 9 & 10)
• Senior Biology (Unit 1)
• The Cross-curricular priority of Sustainability

Though the program's subject matter – which includes shark attacks – may be sensitive for some students, Save this Shark is suitable for students from Years 3 – 12. However parental permission should be sought before screening the episodes for younger students.